• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Total support, love & authenticity

  
  I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel for Matt & Jeanae. My hubby and I have been wanting to experience Ayahuasca for quite some time and we are so glad that we decided to entrust the crew at New Life Ayahuasca for this life-changing and trans-formative experience. From the moment Matt picked us up at the airport in San Jose, we felt right at home. The retreat center is located about 20 minutes outside of a small mountain town called San Ramon. The grounds could not have been more lush or beautiful. When you arrive at the main gate, you are greeted with a long curving drive that leads to the main house and while winding through the lushly landscaped grounds, one feels that they are entering the garden of Eden. Upon arrival, Matt gave us a tour around the property and checked us into our rooms. Even though we are a married couple, Matt and Jeanae were generous enough to give us separate rooms in case we needed private time to meditate and process our experiences. As a same-sex couple, we were hoping to find a non-judgmental atmosphere with the staff and the other guests and that is exactly what we found. Matt, Jeanae, and the other staff members and guests could not have been more loving, non-judgmental, or supportive during our entire stay. We also made some friendships with the other guests that I hope will last a lifetime. In terms of the ceremonies, they were life-changing, authentic, and well-executed. One of the lessons I got from this experience was that I can oftentimes be very judgmental. Before arriving at NLA, I questioned whether or not the experience would feel authentic since we weren't going to Peru to stay in the jungle. I could not have been more wrong. Matt led the ceremonies and Jeanae provided constant loving support. Matt truly has a gift from the gods. The voice that comes through him when he is performing Icaros is truly healing, loving, and authentic to the core. We could not have asked for better guides and a more supportive, safe, and nurturing environment. We were there for 3 ceremonies and they were all a bit different for everyone. As I've learned, everyone reacts to the medicine in different ways. There were some difficult moments, but I truly feel that I got what I needed, plus so much more. If you are called to Ayahuasca, we cannot recommend New LIfe Ayahuasca enough.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Open the door...Walk through :)

  I think we all found that Ayawaska is The Great Teacher of Humility! Mind blowing and opening experience with a crazy cool group of teachers and students from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life..a bond that can never be broken! Special thanks to Shaman Matt and 'nurse' Jeanae for incredible ceremonies in 'The Dojo', and for incorporating yoga, massage, and even an incredible local hotspring into the experience!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  I couldnt have asked for anything more

  I don't know that I can properly word my thanks and appreciation for all of you at New Life Ayahuasca, but I'll try. I tried not to come to the retreat with too many expectations, just an open mind and willingness to learn whatever was shown to me. Immediately on arriving I was made to feel at home and found it very easy to settle in and get comfortable. The atmosphere and facility made it very easy to be social or get some time to myself when needed. The meals all week were fantastic and really added to the enjoyment of the experience. The cleanliness of the facility and constant attention to anything we needed was above and beyond. The added trip to the beach was a really nice extra as well as having the pool, hot tub and lots of nature to enjoy on a daily basis. As far as the ceremonies went, I personally couldn't have asked for anything more. I appreciated the sincerity of the ceremonies, the setting, the attention and care given to those of us going through the ceremonies. All three of the ceremonies that I experienced were great learning experiences and Matt and Jeanae played a huge part in that overall outcome. I made some connections on the trip that also made the trip more special and I'm sure I'll keep those relationships for the rest of my life. Thanks again New Life, my world is a better place after the gift of spending the week with all of you!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  A connectedness that will last a lifetime

  
  I can’t express enough gratitude to New Life Ayahuasca and the founders, Matt and Jeanae. Let me start with the facility which is ideally located for a retreat in a peaceful setting with unparalleled views of the San Ramon valley and stretching to the Pacific Ocean. There is a perfect mix of large, comfortable indoor space as well as outdoor enjoyment and spa-like amenities. Everyone has their own unique bedroom with a private bathroom, and the common areas are clean, spacious and inviting. Having access to the gym/yoga studio and the separate hot tub/pool area allowed for continued physical activities, healing, and calm. The meals were thoughtfully prepared and plentiful, and special dietary needs were respected and incorporated. The massages were grounding and well timed and honestly, Fernando is one of the best masseuses I’ve ever had! (I have experienced many in my day!). The ceremonies only reinforced the safe, non-judgmental and caring environment which we were all in. Matt guided us through the ceremony with Icaros, gong, Tibetian singing bowl as well as meditative music toward the end of the ceremony. Jeanae supported each ceremony and is a natural care-giver. The collective strength and knowledge only reiterated the higher calling which have brought Matt and Jeanae where they are today. The ceremonies were an individual experience in itself; no two experiences were the same. And the bonfire following the ceremony allowed interested participants to further connect and share insights while gazing at the stars. The week long retreat welcomed people from very different geographies and backgrounds and within a very short time, I developed a connectedness and a shared experience with a few others that will last a lifetime! This was a transformational experience and I highly recommend New Life Ayahuasca! A huge thank you Matt and Jeanae for making the retreat happen and facilitating this experience – I do hope our paths will cross again in the physical world!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Learning Experience

  I did a lot of research going into this experience, and initially I was impressed with the website and the level of honesty from both Matt and Jeanae. They were always available to answer my questions whenever I called. The retreat center was beautiful, the room was comfortable and the views are great. You can feel the Matt and Jeanae really care and were concerned with our (mine and my sister’s) comfort and safety for both the ibogaine and ayahuasca ceremonies. By the end of my retreat I am happy to call them both friends. We took a few trips to the beach and the waterfall over my 2 weeks stay and the food was very good and accommodating to the diet. I had drank ayahuasca a few times before coming to New Life and the fact that they keeps the groups small made a huge difference. The ceremonies felt more personal, the medicine was good and the fire at the end of the night felt like the perfect closing for the ceremony. I felt like I found a home here. I would highly recommend this center to anyone who is looking for a high quality, safe, comfortable and professional retreat. I will definitely be coming back myself!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Spiritual Retreat

  I stayed here for 6 days for treatment of PTSD. This was a very professional, competent and relaxing retreat for the mind and the body. I highly recommend it !

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  So grateful

  Thank you, New Life Ayahuasca for the most life-expansive, mentally-therapeutic, heart-opening, bravery-inducing, forgiveness-cultivating, humbling-to-my-knees experience of my almost-48-years on this planet. Grateful to you, Matt & Jeanae for being my most-trusted, professional guides that made me feel safe, nurtured and truly cared for. As I travel back to my island home of Bocas Del Toro today, you are with me in my heart. heart emoticon The food was great too! Very accommodating to my vegan diet, and I never felt hungry. Felt pampered and comfortable in my private room, with private bathroom and free wi-fi. The massages were amazing as well! So GRATEFUL.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Third eye opened, amazing

  A genuinely incredible and rewarding experience. The location up in the mountains is truly peaceful, and there was something about it and accomodation that instantly made me feel more relaxed and at home, plus the large indoor pool and workout area were fantastic. Jeanae and Matt were very welcoming and a pleasure to be around, additionally I had the fortune of meeting a wonderful group of people there which amplified the positive experience to even higher levels. I was a first timer so my initial ceremony wasn’t as profound as some, but my second and final ceremony was an utterly amazing experience, and I felt like Matt and Jeanae provided the ideal environment and guided me/us well. It is the kind of experience that words and art can’t truly describe, so I highly recommend experiencing it yourself, and it’s a pleasure doing it in such a beautiful, comfortable and safe environment.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  New Beginings

  This review is long overdue but wanted to share my experience. I went out there in November 2015 for my 39th birthday. At that point I was at a low. I had just ended a long term relationship, started a new company, moved across the country, yadda, yadda, life stuff. So I was looking for something to snap me out of my funk. I went out there for 2 weeks to do the 3 ayahuasca ceremonies and and 1 iboga treatment. When I got there I didn't know what to expect but was greeted by Matt at the airport who took me to their retreat. The place is great, bedrooms have private bathrooms and are super clean and comfy, pool and hiking trails. Matt and Jeanae are great hosts, very laid back, easy to talk to and accommodating. You can tell that they care in helping people and it shows through with their actions. We went on a few beach excursions, farmers market and a couple trips into town that were both fun and a nice break in between ceremonies. As with the ceremonies themselves, I did 3 ayahuasca ceremonies, which were really mild for myself. If one is worried, do not. It is a very pleasurable experience but the one thing that changed everything for me was my iboga treatment. I did it at the very end and truthfully I can't even recall much of it. Though when I got back everything had changed in my head, a sort of reset button had been pushed. I could feel it and others could see it in me, a glow that wasn't there when I left. Since then, I changed everything up. I moved places, started running daily and working out. I changed the way I eat, my sleep habits, quit drinking alcohol (which was one of the reasons I choose to do the iboga, as I was turning to it more than I should when I was becoming depressed about things), just a complete 360. So now 6 months later, I literally am a completely different person, not 100%, but headed into the right direction in getting there, whereas before I was falling down a slippery slope of despair. So needless to say, this was a life changer. It is not a cure all, but it will point you in the right direction. What you do afterwards is up to you.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Transcendent

  This was my first experience with Ayahuasca. Matt and Jeanae were wonderful, compassionate hosts. I highly recommend New Life Ayahuasca to anyone considering this life changing experience. Each ceremony was a different experience. It was deeply personal and helped me explore issues that I have struggled with all my life. It was a profound experience to say the least, just beautiful and intense. Some of it was challenging to be sure but I would do it again in a heartbeat. The peace of mind and stronger sense of Self is a priceless gift. I felt welcomed and at home immediately at New Life. It was fun meeting the other guests and I really felt a strong bond with the group as we took this journey together. I am very grateful to Matt and Jeanae for all the work they do and their support along the way. They are very sweet, genuine, and authentic. They want the best experience for all their guests and do their best to make that happen. I encourage anyone seeking that "something more" to check out New Life and take a personal retreat here. I will be back! Thank you Matt and Jeanae! You are awesome!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Many many thanks

  I am in my early fifties and maybe a bit older than many people who are interested in ayahuasca. That said, I can’t think of any very good reason to trudge through a muddy jungle, get bitten by unidentifiable insects (or worse), or live in some primitive dirty camp in order to partake in a spiritual ceremony. So I feel very fortunate to have found Matt and Jeanae, and to have had my first ayahuasca experiences under their guidance. They are kind, caring, friendly, helpful and, (perhaps most importantly) trustworthy people. Jeanae and Matt fulfilled every promise they made on their webpage, from preparing and providing excellent meals to transporting me to and from the airport. Their facility is beautiful and everything they represent it to be. It was great to be able to sleep in a clean, comfortable bed after long nights of ceremonies, and to shower, swim, hike, and just relax in such a gorgeous setting. My week in their company was the most enjoyable and enlightening I have had in many years- probably ever. The ceremonies they guide are beautiful and profound. I think they have a genius for this business. It is obvious that they take very seriously the sacred nature of their responsibility in providing ayahuasca ceremonies. I hope to return soon, and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone interested in partaking in a life-changing spiritual experience.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Best thing I ever did in my life

  I spent a week with Matt and Jeanae from New Life Ayahuasca. This was my first time doing ayahuasca. I researched it for many years but i could never find the time to try it. By luck and fortune I got the oppurtunity to go to New Life in Costa Rica and it was the best thing i ever did in my life. Jeanae and Matt are the nicest people and their care and love is amazing. They guided me through the process and i will always grateful to them for the experience I had. The medecine is so powerful and showed me stuff i never knew excisted. I have a new found appreciation for life and i have changed so much since. The facilities are great. The have clean spacious rooms. A beautiful garden with a big pool and the view is amazing. I felt really safe and secure and it was a great introduction to this powerful medicine. I made great friends with the other participants and they set me on a new direction of my life. Hopefully someday i can return to New Life Ayahuasca for another step to fullfill my potential. For now i am on the right path and will always be in dept to this great people. Namaste! Lots of love and light. Your friend Stefan

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Amazing experience

  An all around amazing experience. Couldn't thank Matt and Jeanae enough for what they did. It has taken me a bit of time to digest the vast experience, but every day that proceeds I can still feel the medicine working within. The whole set up was great, and perfect for a personal or group spiritual retreat. It is paramount to feel safe and secure when practising, and this exactly what I felt with NLA. The ceremonies were powerful and the group always had great follow up discussions. The accommodations and meals were great and the rest of the facility beautiful. I highly recommend NLA, it was a rich experience I will soon not forget. Thank you for what you do.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Wonderful Experience

  I was going through a rough time in my life when I unintentionally learned about ayahuasca. Having never heard of it up until a month before booking my retreat, I was surprisingly comfortable with my decision to travel alone to another country in hopes of getting better. It just felt right. I had never before experienced with any sort of psychedelic, so in the days leading up to my trip, the nerves started kicking in. Still though, I knew I had to do it. Costa Rica is beautiful and the retreat center is perfectly located. You're able to appreciate unparalleled aerial views of central Costa Rica, and simultaneously enjoy luxuries like hot water and wifi. It truly is the best of both worlds. The amenities make it easier to relax prior to and after ayahuasca ceremonies, and the natural environment allows you to truly be with your thoughts so that you can begin to understand its teachings. The ceremonies were incredible- I can't put into words how profound they were. Ayahuasca is powerful yet gentle at the same time. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you're considering ayahuasca as a means to better yourself, I absolutely recommend New Life. Matt and Jeanae are sincere people with the purest intentions and they will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and safe. I brought back home with me a new appreciation for life and my loved ones, and I have let go of years' worth of built up fear and anxiety. I truly feel healed. I have opened up and will live each day as a vessel of love.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Surpassed my wildest of dreams

  
  Dear Jeanae and Matt, Gratitude from the depths of my being for all your love, support and service over these last two weeks. I had high hopes for my time at New Life Iboga / Ayahuasca and these have all been surpassed beyond wildest of dreams. I have received clear answers to the life questions I came with and found my allies and support. I have connected to the deepest Mystery and learned more about this spirit magic, where I am a novice but open to learning. I have had the most profound healings and blessings and shed so many skins. I leave with strength, love in my heart and a renewed passion to work for a more beautiful world. Thank you so much for all you are doing here. Your service is a sight to behold. That's a lot of work you guys are carrying. I felt very held and cared for, with space to be. I also felt very safe- you've figured a good balance between the sacred ceremonies and some medical attention. May you always know how important your work is. May you receive all you need to support your work. So many blessings and prayers for you both to move forwards on your own paths of understanding and peace. And thanks Matt for your honesty and reaching out- much appreciated. I'm also deeply grateful to Derek for his beautiful, delicious food. The food on retreats I feel is very significant and I have felt fed and deeply nourished which is an important part of the journey. Derek's kindness and attention have been a real gift. It's also been an added bonus to have Vanessa around with the additional medicines of Kambo, reiki and guided meditation- my cup overflows! I hope you continue to attract in support and help that assists the work you are doing here. The masseur is also amazing. (Why are all the best masseurs on holiday / in different countries?!). So much love and gratitude to you both, wishing you all the sweetness for your life together, Love Gail xxx

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Lifting Experience

  New Life Ayahuasca was a perfect set up for my experience. I felt safe and pampered. Jeanae and Matt were the best hosts ever - lovely souls and understanding of everyones needs. They looked after us throughout the retreat and guided us through our experiences with lifting icaros. The location is amazing. Breathtaking sunsets, spacious rooms with individual bathrooms, swimming pool and hot tab, yoga classes, massages, midnight bonfires and beautiful surroundings for morning walks. See you next year guys and thanks so much for doing what you do!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  More than I ever expected

  
  Being a first time participant in doing any kind of psychedelic, I did a ton of research on where I could safely do Ayahausca. When I found New Life Ayahuasca’s website, I was ecstatic. Their website presence was great. The information was very comprehensive, clear, and extremely helpful. I emailed Matt and Jeanae who promptly emailed back answering any and all questions with great patience, knowledge and understanding. They also took the time to call me (yes, they have a US phone number so it’s free) to ask questions about any prior experience I had with psychedelics, and what supplements and/or medications I was taking to make sure this is a good fit. Health and safety are their first priorities, which made me feel comfortable in choosing to do this. From the moment Matt and Jeanae picked me up at the airport I felt at ease. They were kind, authentic and welcoming. They treated me like family. The facility was beautiful and I loved the fact that I had my own bedroom and bathroom. The food they provided was very plentiful, delicious and nutritious. The property and its views are to die for. Not only did I get to partake in one of the most amazing spiritual journeys thus far in my life, but I also felt like I was on a total vacation. I swam, (they have a huge indoor pool), sat in the hot tub, watched movies they rented for us, read books, did yoga with Jeanae, hiked on the property, and went on an excursion with Matt and Jeanae to some waterfalls and out for a fabulous meal afterward. Due to the beautiful location, the fabulous facility, the great hospitality, the nutritious food and extremely knowledgeable guides-Matt and Jeanae I was able to fully let go and drop into the Ayahausca experience without trepidation and more curiosity. That said, the Ayahausca ceremonies were some of the most positive life changing experiences I have ever had. Although I had set intentions for each ceremony, I was not attached to the outcome, which was good. Mother Ayahausca showed me exactly what she needed me to see and told me what she wanted me to hear, all of which have benefited me beyond measure. If you are planning on drinking Ayahuasca, I highly recommend New Life Ayahausca as the number one destination to do so. I am forever grateful to Matt and Jeanae for this life-changing experience. Thank you!”

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Everything you could ask for

  
  If you are planning on drinking Ayahuasca, I would recommend New Life as a great destination to do so. My wife and I were researching for quite a while before deciding on New Life. Drinking Aya for the first time is an overwhelming experience which is why New Life's atmosphere was by far the best option for us. Of course, you can go to Iquitos and live in the jungle for a week but the added stress of that seemed a bit daunting. New Life offers a nice peaceful setting in what felt like a giant home. Matt and Jeanae make you feel like part of their family right away. As did Jeanae's mother and Nigel, their assistant who all did their best to make us feel comfortable. The food they provided was delicious and nutritious, something I worried about with other retreats in the jungle. The actual ceremonies were some of the life changing experiences we have ever have. One note I would make right away is that Ayahuasca is not to be taken lightly. It is a powerful substance and you never quite know what will be shown to you. You have to be open to it but know now that it is not for recreational use. I went in with the intention of getting over my fear of the unknown. My 2nd ceremony, I explored everything I might be afraid of. I was shown the way I would die and had to come to grips with my own mortality. I saw my fear of having kids and in facing it, was able to not only get over it but envision my future children. I witness the death of my parents and growing old with my sister and nephews. After seeing all that lies ahead, it was hard to ever experience that fear again. But it was work. It was hard work, that one night felt like I had gone through 10 years of psycho therapy. Mentally, I have never been pushed like that night. I begged for the visions to stop but they told my I was strong enough to face them. I am glad I did as the next day, I felt clarity like never before. I was apprehensive to go back after getting so much the night before. As I said before, it was intense and I was not ready to face that experience so soon after. I went back and forth on drinking it before ultimately deciding to do so. I told myself this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I should take full advantage. I am glad I did. Once I purged (get ready purging is a huge part of this) I entered a dream like state once again. But this time was different, I begged to not have to face what I had before. I said to the medicine, "I did that hard work, can't I just play" and it responded with "Sure, go ahead". From there on, I had the most profound experience of my life. I flew through the stars ultimately coming upon a planet with eyes. I immediately recognized that I was standing in front of "God". He said because I did the hard work the night before and showed bravery to come back, I would be treated to spend the night in "his" presence and ask whatever questions I may have. I use quotation for him as he explained to me that god, the universe, they were all one. We were all connected to him and everything else. He showed me that finding joy and happiness, helping others, and becoming our best selves was the whole point of life and that this would continue when we entered the after life. There were so many life lessons and understandings that took place that night as I was able to sit with god/universe in any form I chose to make him (for a while, I chose Morgan Freeman). I am not a person who you would ever consider a believer in any form. I am not religious and remain so but I do believe in the visions I saw. Since that night, my wife and I have never felt better. I feel as if the blockages in my mind that stopped me from living the life I want and making the habits that will get me there, are gone. I sleep better, I think better, I am nicer and more considerate. I got a nasty virus when I got home, one that would normally have me in bed for days. Instead, I went to the gym 6 times this week. It's incredible the feeling it gave me . I want to thank Matt and Jeanae for giving this great gift to us. We are forever grateful!

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